Semipermanent magnetic storage embodying groups of magnetic particles collectable as discrete units in separate areas at word and output line intersections to store binary signals

ABSTRACT

A semipermanent magnetic matrix comprising intersecting word and output lines, a dielectric interposed between the lines and formed with openings, each having a first segment disposed between the lines at each line intersection and a second segment laterally disposed from each line intersecting and a magnetic mixture including groups of magnetic particles and an inert substance placed in each opening, whereby its respective particle groups are activated into unitary structures in preselected first and second opening segments at given times to store &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;0&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; and &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;1&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; binary signals. The inert substance may comprise commercial paraffin changeable into liquid and solid states, or ambient air or silicone oil. Also, magnetic keepers located at the first and second opening segments are used to set the magnetic particle structures.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Shunichi Suluki 34(l/l74 M 340/174 M 4/1962 (icllert l l/l967 Halverson 9/ I969 Reimer Tokyo-to, Japan 872.268

Appl. No Filed 0a. 29, I969 .Iuly I3. 197i I I MN ("I Patented s Assignec Nippon Electric Company, Limited 52"? f 'zig gg x s Tokyo-toJapan [54] SEMIPERMANENT MAGNETIC STORAGE EMBODYING GROUPS OF MAGNETIC PAR-"(1E8 COLLECTABLE As DISCRETE UNITS ABSTRA CT: A semlpermanent magnetic matrix comprising IN SEPARATE AREAS AT WORD ANDOUTPUT intersecting word and output lines, a dielectric interposed NE INTERSECTIONS To STORE BINARY between the lines and formed with openings, each having a SIGNALS first segment disposed between the lines at each line intersection and a second segment laterally disposed from each line intersecting and a magnetic mixture including groups of mag netic particles and an inert substance placed in each opening,

18 Claims, 17 Drawing Figs.

340/174 M lb 5/14 whereby its respective particle groups are activated into unita 340 74 R,

ry structures in preselected first and second opening segments M at given times to store 0" and l binary signals. The inert substance may comprise commercial paraffin changeable into liquid and solid states, or ambient air or silicone oil. Also,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1959 Walentine et Computer COTS.

Laser Beam Equip.

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Shunichi Suzuki A TTORNE Y5 Fig. 2D.

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PATENTED JUL i 3197! INVENTOR.

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PATENIED JUL 1 3 m1 SHEET 3 UF 5 INVENTOR.

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ATTORNEYS SEMIPERMANENT MAGNETIC STORAGE EMBODYING GROUPS OF MAGNETIC PARTICLES COLLECTABLE AS DISCRETE UNITS IN SEPARATE AREAS AT WORD AND OUTPUT LINE INTERSECT IONS TO STORE BINARY SIGNALS This invention relates to a magnetic memory matrix having intersecting word and output lines, and more specifically to such matrix including semipermanent magnetic signal storing devices including groups of magnetic particles collectable as discrete units in proximity of the respective line intersections for storing and l binary signals thereat.

A permanent magnetic storage as used with a computer is usually a memory device in which the content thereof is seldom, if ever, altered. Such device is mostly compact in structure, large in capacity, and economical to manufacture. This device is often employed as a memory for effecting subroutines in computers. These subroutines frequently utilized for input-output conversions of computations of mathemathical functions and assigned to permanent storage are essential factors in achieving high-speed and low-cost data processing in computers. Permanent storage has important applications in the storing of microprograms. Each instruction for acomputer is occasionally formed of a combination of micro-orders of a lower level, or a microprogram in other words. Additionally, pennanent storages are advantageous areas for large amounts of data that are read only and seldom altered. Such uses of pennanent storage promote the simplification of control devices without impairing theoverall operation of a computer, whereby simplification of computer design and cost are expeditiously realized. Permanent storage is thus employed to replace software with hardware.

Although various devices such, for example, as a diode matrix, a corematrix, a metal card, an eddy-catdor an optical apparatus have been heretofore proposed for use as permanent storage of information that is to be kept unaltered, such devices werefound to be unsatisfactory for the proposed purpose principally because of the considerably high cost of manufacture thereof. Except for the optical apparatus, all of the well known types of permanent storage of information comprise a matrix type which includes word lines and output electric lines disposed in a mutually normal relation, whereby data is stored at the intersecting lines via the presence or absence of either electrostatic inductor coupling or mutual in ductor coupling.

Permanent storage of information in a matrix by the presence or absence of electrostaticinduction at the intersecting linesis disclosed in an article entitled Card CapacitorA Semipermanent, Read-Only Memory and published in the lnternational Business Machines Journal, pages 67-438, Jan. l96l. Permanent storage of information in a matrix by the presence or absence of mutual induction is described in an ar ticle entitled Eddycard Memory-A Sernipermanent Storage" and published in the Proceedings of the Eastern Joint Computer Conference, pages l94202, I961. Permanent storage of information by the presence or absence of nonlinear coupling elements such, for example, as diodes is explained in an article entitled A Survey of Read-Only Memories" and published in the Proceedings of the Fall Joint Computer Conference, page 775, I965.

In each of the above'disclosed devices heretofore used for the permanent storage of information, the operation thereof required the insertion of a particular signal storage medium (for example, a diode or metallic substance), or the shielding of the signal couplings to the medium initially associated with the word or output lines in order to indicate the presence or absence of the respective electrostatic induction or the mutual induction coupling at the intersections of the latter lines. As a consequence, an alteration of the information once stored in the signal storage devices just mentioned is practically impossible, or quite difficult at best. This is so for the reason that such alteration inherently involves the mechanical operation of changing the structure of or replacing the signal storage medium already installed in the signal storage device.

The present invention therefore concerns a signal storing matrix embodying a signal storage device whose internal structure may be expeditiously altered to store preselected binary signals without physically disturbing the external structure of the device.

A principal object of the invention is to provide an improved semipermanent magnetic signal storing device whose internal structure is easily alterable into different units for storing preselected binary signals.

Another object is to provide a semipermanent magnetic signal storing device whose internal structure is readily alterable into different units to store preselected binary signals without replacing any of the components of the device.

A further object is to provide a scmipcrmanent magnetic signal storing device whose internal structure is expeditiously variable to store preselected binary signals without changing the external structure of the device.

An additional object is to provide a magnet matrix embodying semipermanent magnetic memory devices easily changeable in internal structure to store preselected binary signals at low cost of manufacture.

Still another object is to provide a magnetic matrix employing semiperrnanent memory devices readily alterable in internal structure to store preselected binary signals on a highly reliable basis.

A still furd'ier object is to provide a magnetic matrix including semipermanent memory devices changeable in internal structure to store preselected binary signals on a large capacity basis.

A still additional object is to provide a magnetic matrix utilizing semipermanent memory devices adaptable to internal structural changes for storing preselected binary signals in a high-density assembly.

A specific embodiment of the invention comprises a magnetic matrix including a plurality of word lines formed with spaced loops, each having a first preselected configuration, and so spaced in parallel in a given direction in a first plane that corresponding loops lie in spaced vertical planes extendingin a direction perpendicular to the given direction; a plurality of output lines formed with spaced loops, each having a second preselected configuration, and so spaced in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the given direction in a second plane spaced from and in parallel relation with the first plane in such manner that the loops of the word lines are oppositely disposed to corresponding loops of the output lines; a dielectric interposed between the word and output conductor pairs and formed with a plurality of openings having a third preselected configuration and extending perpendicularly between the word and output lines; each opening having a first segment positioned in an area extending immediately between corresponding oppositely disposed loops of the respective word and output lines and a second segment positioned outside the latter area; and a magnetic mixture consisting of a group of magnetic particles and inert substance placed in each of the openings; whereby first preselected particle groups are activated to collect in preselected first opening segments to form unitary structures therein for storing preselected l" binary signals and second preselected particle groups are activated to collect in preselected second opening segments to form unitary structures therein for storing preselected 0" binary signals.

A feature of the invention is that the loops of the word lines have the first preselected configuration which is circular. Another feature is that the loops of the output lines have the second preselected configuration which is approximately circular, the latter including linear and nonlinear sectors. A further feature is that linear sectors may replace the curvilinear sectors (loops) at the intersections of the word and output lines. A still further feature is that the inert substance may comprise any inert substance including commercial paraffin transformable into liquid and solid states at different temperatu res. Also the inert substance may comprise any inert gas including ambient air. An additional feature is that the dielectric openings have the third preselected configuration consisting of linear and nonlinear segments of which the linear segments have a dimension larger than a dimension of the nonlinear segments. Still another feature is that the dielectric openings have the third preselected configuration which is rectangular having equal or unequal opposite sides. Also, a further feature is that the dielectric openings have the third preselected configuration which comprises two spaced segments connected by a third segment, the latter two spaced seg ments and third segment including linear and nonlinear sectors. Also, another feature comprises the disposal of magnetic keeper elements in proximity of the magnetic particles placed in the respective dielectric openings.

The invention is readily understood from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. I is a partial perspective view of a magnetic memory matrix adapted with a specific embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A through 2D are cross-sectional views taken along line 2-2 in FIG. I and showing action obtainable in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A through 4C are crossrsectional views taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 and illustrating action obtainable in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 68 and 6C are cross-sectional views that may be substituted for FIG. 6A in FIG. 5;

FIGS. IA-7C are a family of cross-sectional views taken along line 77 in FIG. 5 and delineating action obtainable in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a write-in apparatus usable with FIGS. I, 3 and 5.

FIG. I shows a first plurality of word lines 10, each comprising a pair of spaced parallel conductors II and I2 formed with a group of spaced integral loops I3 and I3, each having a first preselected configuration which is approximately circular. It is understood that each inductor pair I1 and 12 includes additional spaced loops l3 and is connected to a word driver, not shown, at its other end. Each of conductor 11 and 12 is I microns in width and each loop has an internal diameter of l millimeter. The word lines are printed in spaced parallel relation to extend in a given direction on a word line printed plate l4 constituting a first plane. This plate has a thickness of 200 microns and is made, for example, ofa semitransparent epoxy resin. Corresponding spaced loops I3 and I3 lie in spaced vertical planes extending in a direction perpendicular to the given direction.

A second plurality of output lines I5, each including a pair of spaced parallel conductors I6 and I7, comprises conductor 16 extending in a linear direction and conductor 17 formed with a group of spaced integral loops 18, each having a second preselected configuration which is approximately a U-shape. It is seen that conductors 16 and I! terminate in end loop 18'. It is understood that each conductor I7 includes additional spaced loops I8; and both conductors I6 and 17 are connected to a sense circuit, not shown, at their other ends. The conductors l6 and 17 are identical in size with that of conductors II and I2. Each of loops l8 and 18 has an internal diameter of l millimeter. The output lines I are printed in spaced parallel relation to extend in a direction perpendicular to the given direction of the word lines on an output-line printed plate 19 constituting a second plane spaced from and in parallel relation with the word-line first plane. The plate 19 is identical in size and material with those of plate 14. Corresponding loops 18 and [8' lie in spaced vertical planes extending in the given direction.

It is thus seen in FIG. I that the respective loops I3 and 13' formed in each conductor pair II and 12 and extending in directions coincident with the given direction are oppositely disposed to corresponding loops 18 and I8 formed with each conductor pair 16 and I7 and extending with given direction, that is to say, one loop of each word line I0 is oppositely disposed to a corresponding one loop of each output line 15.

In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, a dielectric 24 comprising a suitable material later identified and interposed between the printed plates I4 and I9 to maintain the loops of the respective word and output lines in the mutual relationship previously identified has a thickness of l millimeter and is formed of openings 25 having a third preselected configuration and normally projecting between the printed plates 14 and 19. Each opening has a first segment 26 disposed in an area extending from the undersurface of printed plate 14 and to the uppersurface of printed plate 19, thereby effectively intercoupling one of loops I3 in one of word lines I0 and oppositely disposed loop IS in one of output lines I5, and a second segment 27 disposed outside of the latter area but in proximity of the oppositely disposed loops I3 and I8 for a purpose that is subsequently stated. In a similar manner, other openings like opening 25 effectively intercouple the loop 13 and the remaining loops in word lines It] and the oppositely disposed loop 18 and the remaining loops in output lines I5 for the last-mentioned purpose. The opposing surfaces of the printed plates and dielectric are firmly secured together by a familiar type of epoxy binder. The dielectric may comprise an epoxy resin which is semitransparent, heat resistive, and easy-to-work-upon in a manner and for a purpose that are subsequently described.

However, before the printed plate 14 is secured to the uppermost surface of the dielectric, a magnetic mixture 28 containing an inert substance in fluid form and a group of iron grains is poured into each dielectric opening 25 and thereafter the fluid substance is allowed to solidify. In such fluid and solid forms of the inert substance, the magnetic particles are assumed to be distributed on a random basis therein as shown in FIG. 2A. At this time the iron grains in the solidified paraffin are understood to be disposed, for example, in both segments 26 and 27 of each dielectric opening 25. Now the printed plate 14 is firmly secured to the uppermost surface of the dielectric 24 as previously indicated. The inert substance may, for example, comprise a commercial paraffin and the magnetic particles may consist of carbonyl iron grains, each having a diameter of substantially several microns. The inert paraffin is solid at ambient temperatures and has a melting point of approximately 60 centigrade. The ratio of the carbonyl iron grains to the paraffin by volume is of the order of 1:8. The arrangement of FIG. I as thus described constitutes a magnetic matrix 30 having such number of intersections of word and output lines as is determined by the number of the respective word and output lines as is dmcrmined by the number of the respective word and output lines required for a particular installation. Each of such intersections includes a semipermanent magnetic device comprising first preselected iron grain groups activated into first unitary structures to store corresponding first preselected binary signals and second predetermined iron grain groups activated into second unitary structures to store corresponding second binary signals in a manner that is presently explained.

The operation of the specific embodiment of the invention in FIG. I for effecting particular write-informations say, for example, signals "0" and l" of a binary signal, is now explained. Initially, matrix 30 is heated in a manner later explained to a temperature above 60 Centigrade until the solid paraffin in FIG. 2A becomes fluid as indicated in FIG. 23 wherein the iron grains remain randomly disposed at the bottoms of the respective dielectric openings as indicated in FIG. 28. At this time, an external magnetic field applied across oppositely disposed loops 3' and .8, for example, in a manner su bsequently pointed out activates the iron-grain group in one dielectric opening 25 to collect into the dielectric opening segment 26in FIG. I as shown in FIG. 2C wherein the iron-grain group effectively constitutes a block or a unitary structure inductively intercoupling the oppositely disposed loops I3 and 18. Now, the matrix is permitted to cool down to ambient temperature while the magnetic field just-mentioned is continued whereupon the unitary structure of the iron-grain group is set. Finally, the magnetic field is removed, but the unitary structure of iron-grain group remains for intercoupling each word loop I3 in each word line and one output loop I8 in each output line 15. Such unitary structure of one irongrain group is assumed, for the purpose of this explanation. to represent a stored l signal ofa 0" and I binary signal.

In a similar manner as hereinafter explained, an external magnetic field may be utilized to activate the irongrain group in another dielectric opening to collect into a second block on a second unitary structure in the dielectric opening segment 27 of FIG. I as illustrated in FIG. 2D and located away from the oppositely disposed loops l3 and I8, for example. This collection of the iron grain group is assumed for the pur pose of this explanation to represent a stored 0" signal of the 0" and "I" binary signals. Obviously, the iron-grain struc tures formed in the opening segments 26 and 27 as just described may also be arbitrarily chosen to represent stored 0" and 1" signals, respectively, of the binary signals, if it is so desired.

The manner of collecting the iron-grain groups into the blocks or the unitary structures in the opening segments 26 and 27 in FIG. 1 as shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D, respectively, for the purpose of writing the I or 0" binary signals into the magnetic matrix is now explained in more detail with regard to FIG. 8. FIGS. 2A through ID are shown with the upper and lower printed plates omitted for the purpose of clarity of the drawing. At the moment in FIG. 8, matrix 30 is assumed to be moving at the velocity of 0.5 millimeters per second in the direction of the output lines [5 as shown by arrow A for passing between a pair of oppositely positioned heating rollers 33 and 34, under a magnetic head 35, and between a pair of oppositely positioned cooling rollers 36 and 37 in sequence. It is understood that each magnetic head is extremely thin in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet so as to pass over one of the output lines IS without impairing the functions of the adjacent output lines included in the group thereof in FIG. 1. The magnetic heads are disposed side-byside in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet and are magnetically insulated from each other. It is understood that the magnetic heads are so mechanically linked together as to move as a unit.

As the magnetic matrix passes between the heating rollers 33 and 34, each of which comprises a conventional heatgenerator enclosed in a rubber casing, the mixture of irongrains randomly distributed in the solid paraffin as indicated in FIG. 2A is heated above the melting point of the paraffin whereupon the latter is changed from the solid state to the fluid state as indicated in FIG. 2B. The iron-grain group still remains randomly distributed in the fluid paraffin. At the time where the magnetic heads pass over all opening segments 27 in a column thereof extending in a direction normal to the plane of the drawing sheet, a first write-in current is applied to winding 38 of one or more preselected magnetic heads for establishing one or more external mag etic fields across the opening segments 27 corresponding to the preselected energized magnetic heads. These magnetic fields activate the corresponding filst preselected iron-grain groups to collect as unitary structures in the last-mentioned corresponding opening segments 27 as shown in FIG. 2D to represent 0" signals stored in the semipermanent iron-grain groups as above stated. At this time the paraffin is still in the fluid state.

As matrix 30 continues to move in the direction A in FIG. 8 and at the time when the magnetic heads puss over all opening segments 26 in a column thereof extending in a direction nor' mal to the plane of the drawing sheet, a second write-in cur rent is applied to winding 38 of one. o: more further preselected magnetic heads, if any, that did not receive the first write-in currents for establishing one or more external magnetic fields across the opening segments 26 corresponding to the lastmentioned preselected energized magnetic heads. These magnetic fields activate the corresponding second preselected iron-grain groups to collect as unitary structures in the last-mentioned corresponding opening segments 26 as shown in FIG. 2C to represent I signals stored in the semipermanent iron-grain groups as above-noted. Obviously, neither a "0" signal nor a 1" signal is stored in matrix 30 when one or more of the windings 38 of other preselected magnetic heads does not receive a write-in current.

At this time the paraffin is still in the fluid state. It is thus apparent that all "0 signals or all l "signals or a mixture of l and "0" signals or no binary signals at all, as desired, may be written into the matrix 30 at associated columns of opening segments 26 and 27 at a given time depending upon the application of write-in current to the windings of the respectively preselected magnetic heads at the latter given times. The application of a write-in current to the windings of preselected magnetic heads or the withholding of write-in current therefrom is controlled by appropriate command signal originating in computer circuits 39, operating in a familiar manner.

After the magnetic heads have passed over one column of the opening segments 26 the matrix then passes between the cooling rollers 36 and 37 whereby the fluid paraffin is cooled down to the solid state. This fixedly sets the iron-grain structures established in the respective opening segments 26 and 27 as just-explained to represent the l or "0 signals or no binary signals as above-explained. The structure of the cooling rollers is similar to that of the heating rollers except the former generate a cooling effect in a conventional manner. In a similar manner 0" and l binary signals or no binary signals may be stored in the iron-grain groups in the remaining columns of associated opening segments 26 and 27. The storing of the 0" and l signals in each column of openings 25 in FIG. I constitutes one cycle of operation of FIGS. 1, 2A- 2D and 8.

Laser beam equipment 42 controlled by computer circuits 43 and a permanent magnet 44 in FIG. I may be substituted for the heating rollers 33 and 34, magnetic head 35, and cooling rollers 36 and 37 in FIG. 8 to provide an alternate arrangement for writing-in the I" and "0" binary signals into the matrix 30. Magnet 44 produces an external magnetic field effective in the direction indicated by arrow B to magnetize the iron-grain groups in the paraffin in the solid state at this time as indicated in FIG. 2A. Next, a plurality of laser beams selected by command signals originating in the computer circuits 43 moves over the printed plate 14 in the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. I to change the solid-state paratfin in first preselected openings 25 into the liquid-state paraffin as seen in FIG. 2B. This enables the magnetized iron-grain groups to collect as unitary structures in the corresponding preselected opening segments 26 in response to the force of magnet 44. Then, the liquid-state paraffin in the first preselected opening segments 26 is permitted to return to the solid state under the influence of ambient temperature, whereby the iron-grain structures are set in the unitary structures in the opening segments 26 at the first preselected openings 25 as illustrated in FIG. 2C. Now, a I signal, for example, is stored in the semipermanent iron-grain groups of the first preselected opening segments 26 as above-mentioned. Next, the matrix is rotated through l in a given plane i.., the left-hand and right-hand ends are interchanged in the same plane via a suitable mechanism, not shown. Again, a plurality of laser beams selected by computer circuits 43 moves the printed plate I4 in the arrow direction C to change the soiid-state paraffin in FIG. 2A in second preselected openings 25 into the liquid state as seen in FIG. 2B. This permits magnetized iron-grain groups to collect as unitary structures in the corresponding preselected opening segments 27 of the second preselected openings 25 in response to the force of magnet 44. Now, the liquid-state paraffin in the second preselected openings 25 is enabled to return to the solid state under the influence of ambient temperature, whereby the iron-grain structures are set in position in the opening segments 27 of the second preselected openings 25 as shown in FIG. 20. At this time, a signal, for example, is stored in the semipermanent iron-grain group in each of the second overselected openings 27 as abovementioned. Finally, the matrix is again rotated through 180, i.e., returned to its original position for signal extraction. Obviously, neither a l signal nor a 0" signal ofa binary signal is written into the matrix 30 when an opening 25 is not included in one of the first and second preselections thereof.

The signal readout operation of the output lines 15 of the matrix in FIG. I is in accordance with the readout of a matrix embodying a conventional type of mutual electromagnetic inductor coupling. For example, the application of a word current having a steep leading edge to a preselected word line It) having a low characteristic impedance enables a binary signal to be read out at the corresponding output line I via the electromagnetic induction coupling effective at the iron-grain unitary structure formed in either the preselected opening segments 26 or the preselected opening segments 27 and extending between or in proximity of the oppositely disposed conductor loops l3 and 18', depending upon whether the stored binary signal was a l or a 0" type. The circuits, not shown, for energizing the word lines I0 are a conventional type. It is understood that amplifiers, not shown, of a suitable type modified with automatic gain control for a purpose stated later are connected to the output lines 15 for detecting the output signals derived therefrom.

When the unitary structure of iron-grains is set in an open ing segment 26, the amount of the mutual induction coelT- cient effective between the oppositely disposed loops l3 and 18' of the word line and the output line 15, respectively is large for the reason that the carbonyl iron-grains constitute a high permeability magnetic material. This enables the production ofa 1 output signal of adequately high magnitude at the corresponding output line 15. On the other hand, when the unitary structure of iron-grains is set in an opening segment 27, the mutual induction coefficient effective between the loops l3 and 1B of one word line [0 and the corresponding output line is small, due to the lateral separation of the magnetic unitary structure from the associated loops l3 and I8. This occasions the production of a 0" output signal of an intolerably low magnitude. It is therefore assumed for the purpose of this explanation, for example, that when a word having a leading edge of 20 nanoseconds is applied to an input line 10, the set of the iron-grain groups into the unitary structures in the opening segments 26 enables the derivation of an output signal of 5 millivolts, for example, from the corresponding output line 15 whereas the set of the iron-grains into the unitary structures in the opening segments 27 permits the derivation of an output signal of l millivolt, for example, at the same out put line. This difference in magnitude of the output signals derived from the respective output lines 15 is compensated for in one example by adapting the signal output amplifiers with the automatic gain control as above-mentioned.

Demagnetimtion of the iron-grains is not necessary at any time due to the fact that the carbonyl iron is soft. It is obvious that the alterations of the iron-grain unitary structures to establish the 0" and l signals or to change one of the latter signals into the other or vice versa as above-explained is achieved without resort to the mechanical cutting or the isolation of constituent components or to the discard of any constituent components as surplus. While the foregoing explanation mentions the stages of the paraffin and iron-grains as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C in one sequence or FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2D in another sequence for writing-in the l and 0" signals it is apparent that the paraffin and iron-grains may also proceed in the stages shown in FIGS. 2C, 28 and 2D in a further sequence (i.e., from a l "to a 0) or in FIGS. 2D, and 2C in an additional sequence (i.e., from a. 0" to a l without passing through the stage illustrated in FIG. 2A.

It is understood that while the word input lines 10 output signal lines 15 are provided with oppositely disposed nonlinear intersections in the forms of loops 13, I3, 18 and I8, for the purpose ofincreasing the mutual induction in proximity ofthe opening segments 26 and 27, the invention also satisfactorily performs in its essential effects with word input lines 10 and output signal lines l5 provided with linear intersections as replacements of the latter nonlinear types. It is also understood that the inert magnetic mixture is not limited to the paraffin and carbonyl iron-grains as above-mentioned. It is obvious that alternate mixtures may comprise conventional soft magnetic iron materials such, for example, as pure iron, permalloy or soft ferrite of appropriate size, in the form of either grains or a cylinder having a diameter of 1.0 millimeter and a height of 0.8 millimeter. The alternate inert substance should be stable at temperatures near the melting point thereof so as to obviate any chemical reaction with the iron included in the alternate mixtures, and should have a viscosity at the required temperature that permits an expeditious change from a solid state to a fluid state. As alternate inert substances in the alternate magnetic mixtures, it would appear that either wax, or machine oil, or insulating oil is satisfactory.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention comprising a magnetic matrix 50 including a plurality of word lines 5|, each comprising a pair of spaced parallel conductors S2 and 53 formed with a group of spaced integral loops 54, each having a preselected configuration which is approximately circular. Each conductor pair 52 and 53 terminates in a loop 55 and is understood to be connected to a word driver, not shown, at its other end. The dimensions of each of the latter conductors and the diameter of each of the loops formed in the pair thereof are substantially equal to corresponding dimensions and diameters of the conductor pair 11 and I2 and loops [3 fonned therein. The word line SI are printed in spaced parallel relation to extend in a given direction on a word line printed plate 56. This plate is similar to the printed plate I4 in FIG. 1. It is noted that corresponding spaced loops lie in spaced vertical planes perpendicular to the latter given direction.

FIG. 3 also shows the matrix 50 including a plurality of out put lines 57, each comprising a pair of spaced parallel conductors 58 and 59 formed with a group of spaced integral loops 60 and 61 each having a preselected configuration which is approximately circular. Each conductor pair 58 and 59 terminates in the loop 60 and is connected to a sense circuit, not shown, at its other end. The conductors 58 and 59 are identical with the conductors 52 and S3. The output lines 57 are printed in spaced parallel relation to extend in a direction perpendicular to the given direction of the word lines 51 on an output-line printed plate 62 which is identical with the wordline printed plate 56. It is accordingly seen in FIG. 3 that the respective loops 60 and 61 formed in the output lines 57 and extending in directions coincident with the ,Iven direction of the word-lines 51 are oppositely disposed to the correspond ing loops 51 formed in die respective word-lines 51. That is to say, one loop of each word line SI is oppositely disposed to one loop of each output line 57.

In accordance with the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, a dielectric comprising a material identical with dielectric 24 in FIG. I and disposed between the printed plates 56 and 62 is formed with a plurality of openings 64 having a preselected configuration which is rectangular. This configuration may have equal or unequal opposite sides. Each opening 64 is disposed between one loop in each word line 51 and one loop in each output line 57, both latter one loops oppositely disposed to each other. Each opening 64 extends from the lower surface of printed plate 56 to the upper surface of printed plate 62, thereby intercoupling each pair of last-mentioned oppositely disposed loops.

A magnetic keeper 65 is disposed in each loop of each word-line SI and a magnetic keeper 66 is positioned outside of and spaced from each latter word-line loop. The keepers 65 and 66 are predeterminedly spaced in the plane of printed plate 56 on a diagonal of the corresponding opening 64 in integral relation with the latter plate. A magnetic keeper 67 is disposed in each loop of each output line 57 and a magnetic keeper 68 is positioned outside of and spaced from each latter output-lines loop. The keepers 67 and 68 are predeterminedly spaced in the plane of printed plate 62 on a diagonal of an opening 64 in a vertical plane coincident with the vertical plane including the opening diagonal on which the keepers 65 and 66 are spaced. The keepers 67 and 68 are integrally formed with the printed plate 62.

The keepers 65, 66, 67 and 68 are made of a suitable magnetic material in a preselected shape of a disk and the predetermined spacing between the associated pairs thereof for a purpose that is later-mentioned. It is thus seen in FIG. 3 that keepers 65 and 66 and 67 and 68 of the respective pairs are oppositely disposed at opposite ends of each opening 64. Each disk has a thickness of 0.2 millimeter and a diameter of 0.6 millimeter, and is composed of the magnetic material placed in the respective opening 64 as presently mentioned.

After the bottom printed plate 62 has been secured to the bottom surface of dielectric 63 by a suitable epoxy binder but before the top printed plate 56 secured to the top of dielectric 63, a magnetic material comprising, for example, a group of cylindrical KS-steel pieces (hard magnetic material) of 100 microns in diameter and 600 microns in length is placed in each opening 64 to approximately 25 percent of thecapacity thereof and the remaining 75 percent of opening capacity is filled with an inert substance in gaseous form, say, for example, ambient air. Thereafter, the printed plate 56 is attached to the upper surface of the dielectric 63 via a suitable epoxy binder.

The operation of the second embodiment in FIG. 3 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4C is now explained. It is on dcrstood that the upper and lower printed plates are omitted from FIGS. 4A4C for the clarity thereof. Initially, the magnetic pieces placed in the respective openings 64 are demagnetised via a well-known demagnetizing circuit, not shown, connected to the word lines 51. This is achieved by initially applying an alternating magnetic field of adequate strength across the respective openings 64, and thereafter gradually reducing the magnetic field strength to zero whereupon the magnetic pieces in the latter openings are demagnetized. This serves to distribute the magnetic pieces due to gravity on a random basis at the bottom of the respective openings 64 as illuatrated in FIG. 4A.

As the operation of FIG. 3 is hereinafter explained in connection with FIG. 8, it is understood that the heating and cooling efl'ects provided by roller pairs 33 and 34 and 36 and 37, respectively, are omitted and further that the respective roller pairs are utilized only for the purpose of ropelling the matrix 50 (replacing matrix 30) in the direction of arrow A to writein the binary signals in the manner subsequently explained.

At the moment, matrix 50 is assumed to be moving in FIG. 8 at the velocity of millimeters per second in the direction of output lines 57 in FIG. 3 as indicated by arrow A under the propelling action of the roller pairs 33 and 34 and 36 and 37. As the oppositely disposed keeper pairs 66 and 68 as well as the remaining corresponding opposed keeper pairs extending in the same column in a plane normal to the plane of the drawing sheet pass under the magnetic beads 35, a first write-in current is supplied to the windings 38 of first preselected magnetic heads 35, whereupon external magnetic fields are applied acroas the respective opposed keeper pairs associated with the last-mentioned energized magnetic heads, and extending in the direction normal to the plane of the drawing sheet. This magnetizes the magnetic pieces in the openings 64 associated with the oppositely disposed magnetically energized keeper pairs, whereby the magnetized pieces are activated to between the latter keeper pairs to collect as unitary structures in the respective latter openings. An internal force due to the individually magnetized pieces retains the latter pieces in the respective unitary structures as illustrated in FIG. 4C, even after the removal of the external magnetic fields from the opposed keeper pairs associated with the preselected energized magnetic heads. Each of retained unitary structures of magnetized pieces serves to represent, for example, a 0" signal ssoredin the semiperrnanent magnetic piece group.

As matrix 50 continues to move in the direction A in FIG. 8 and as oppositely disposed keeper pairs 65 and 67 as well as the remaining corresponding keeper pairs pass under the magnetic heads 33, a second write-in current is supplied to the windings 38 of second preselected magnetic heads 35, whereupon external magnetic fields are applied across the respective opposed keeper pairs associated with the last-mentioned energized magnetic heads and extending in a direction normal to the plane of the drawing sheet. This magnetizes the magnetic pieces in the openings 64 associated with the last mentioned magnetically energized keeper pairs whereby the magnetized pieces are activated to collect as unitary structures in the respective latter openings. An internal force occasioned by the individually magnetized pieces retains the latter pieces in the respective unitary structures as shown in FIG. 43, even afler the removal of the external magnetic fields from the opposed keeper pairs associated with the last-mentioned preselected energized magnetic heads. Each of the latter retained unitary structures of magnetized pieces serves to represent, for example, a l signal stored in the semiperrnanent magnetic piece group. In a similar manner, 0" and l binary signals or no binary signals are written via successive columns of keepers 66 and 68 and 65 and 67 into matrix 50.

It is obvious that all 1" signals or all 0" signals or no signals at all or a mixture of l and 0" signals and no signals may be written into matrix 50. The nosignal write-in state results from a failure to energize any of the magnetic heads at any time. It is understood that the application of write-in current to the magnetic beads for the operation of FIGS. 3 and 8 or the withholding of write-in current therefrom is controlled by appropriate commands originating in computer circuits 39 in FIG. 8. The "l and 0" binary signals are derived from the respective output lines 57 in FIG. 3 in the manner of the derivation of such signals from the output lines 57 in FIG. 3 in the manner of the derivation of such signals from the output lines 15 in FIG. 1. Before proceeding with the next succeeding cycle of operation of FIGS. 3 and 8 and after the binary signals are read out, it is understood that the magnetic pieces are demagnetimd in the manner hereinbefore explained. This dis integratesthe unitary structures and permits the magnetic particles to move freely in respective openings 64 for collection into the other unitary structures. It is understood that linear intersections may replace the nonlinear intersections 54 and $5, 60 and 61 in the word and output lines 5] and 57 respectively in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 delineates a third embodiment of the invention comprising a matrix 72 which is identical with the m trix 30 previously explained regarding FIG. 1 except matrix 72 is provided with openings 73 which difler in cross-sectional configuration from the cross-sectional configuration of openings 25 in FIG. 1. Each of openings 73 provided in dielectric 24 to extend between the under surface of printed plate 14 and the upper surface of printed plate 19 has, as shown in FIG. 6A, a crosssectional configuration comprising a circular segment 74 disposed between oppositely disposed loops [3 and [8' in one of word lines 10 and one of output lines 15 respectively, to provide a relatively strong induction coupling between the latter loops, a circular segment 73 spaced from the latter segment 74 to provide a relatively weak induction coupling between the latter loops and a linear segment 76 connecting the latter circular segments 74 and 75.

Alter the printed plate 19 has been secured to the bottom of dielectric 24 but before the printed plate 14 is secured to the top thereof, a magnetic mixture comprising, for example, a magnetic material including alloy particles of iron (Fe) 83 percent, Chromium (Cr l3 percent and Nickel (Ni) 4 percent is placed in each of the openings 73 in an amount of approximately 30 percent of the capacity thereof, and an inert gaseous substance comprising, for example, ambient air in an amount equivalent to the remaining capacity (70 percent) of the respective openings 73. The alloy material may comprise particles each having a relatively long cylindrical shape, and its coercive force is 8 Oersted, and its remanence magnetization is 13,000 gauss. Then, the printed plate 14 is sealed into the top of dielectric 24. It is understood that suitable substitutes for the KS steel particles may comprise MK steel or alnico or either iron or cobalt of appropriate size. If the magnetic material is chemically unstable in the ambient environment, inert silicone may be used as the inert substance in the magnetic mixture.

The operation of the third embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5, 6A, 7A7C and 8 takes place in the following manner. Initially, it is assumed that the magnetic particles are now demagnetized in accordance with the demagnetizing effects produced by demagnetizing circuits, not shown, but mentioned above regarding FIG. 3, whereby the latter particles are distributed relatively uniformly at the bottoms of the respective openings 73 in FIGS. and 6A as illustrated in FIG. 7A. Also, as in the case of FIG. 3, the use of roller pairs 33 and 36 and 37 in FIG. 8 is limited to the propulsion of matrix 72 (replacing matrix 30 in FIG. 8) in the direction A in FIG. 8, the heating and cooling devices having been rendered ineffective in the respective roller pairs for their intended purposes.

At the moment matrix 72 is assumed to be moving in FIG. 8 at the velocity of 0.2 millimeters per second in the direction of output lines shown by arrow A under the propelling action of roller pairs 33 and 34 and 36 and 37. As the opening segments 75 are positioned immediately below magnetic heads 35 in FIG. 8, a first write-in current is supplied to windings 3B of first preselected magnetic heads 35 which are thereby energized for applying external magnetic fields across the opening segments 75 associated with the latter heads and extending in a direction normal to the plane of the drawing sheet. This magnetizes the magnetic particles in the opening segments 73 associated with the first preselected energized magnetic heads, whereby the latter particles are activated to collect into unitary structures in the segments 75. After removal of the first write-in current from the first preselected magnetic heads and after the passing of the opening segments 75 thereunder and thereby, an internal force due to the individually magnetized particles retains the latter particles in the unitary structures in the opening segments 75 as illustrated in FIG. 7C. Each of the unitary structures of magnetized particles retained in opening segments 75 serve to represent, for example, a 0signals stored in the semipermanent alloy-particle groups.

As the matrix 72 continues to move in the direction A in FIG. 8 and as the opening segments 74 are located immediately below the magnetic heads 35, a second write-in current is applied to windings 38 of second preselected magnetic heads 35 which are thereby energized to apply external magnetic fields across the opening segments 74 associated with the latter heads and extending a direction normal to the plane of the drawing sheet. This magnetizes the magnetic particles in the opening segments 73 associated with the second preselected energized magnetic heads, whereby the latter particles are activated to collect in unitary structures in the segments 74. Upon the removal of the second write-in current from the second preselected magnetic beads and after the passing of the opening segments 74 thereunder, the respective magnetic unitary structures are retained in opening segments 74 due to an internal force effective therein as just-mentioned with regard to the retention of the magnetic structures in opening segments 75 as shown in F I6. 78. Each of the unitary structures of magnetized particles retained in opening segments 74 serve to represent, for example, l signals stored in the semipermanent alloy-particle groups.

FIGS. 6B and 6C represent other cross-sectional configurations of the dielectric opening 73 in FIG. 5 that may be substituted for the cross-sectional configuration 73 shown in FIG. 6A. For example, a cross-sectional opening 730 comprising a linear and nonlinear segment 740, a linear and nonlinear segment 75a, and a linear and nonlinear segment 76a connecting the latter segments 74a and 750 may be substituted for the corresponding segments 74, 75 and 76 of cross-sectional opening 73. Also, the cross-sectional opening 73 may be replaced by a cross-sectional opening 73b shown in FIG. 6C and comprising a circular segment 74b and a circular segment 75!) interconnected by spaced linear segments 76!) and 76c joined by a circular segment 76d.

Obviously, if external magnetic fields were not established across preselected opening segments 74 or 75 at any time this would serve to write-in neither I nor 0" signals in the alloy-particle groups in the respective latter segments at that time. In a similar manner, l and 0" binary signals or no binary signals are written via successive columns ofopening segments 74 and 75 into the remaining alloy-particle groups. It is understood that the magnetized magnetic particles are demagnetized in the manner previously mentioned regarding FIG. 3 after the 0" and l binary signals are written into each of the successive columns of opening segments 74 and 75 and readout therefrom in preparation for the next operating cycle. This disintegrates the unitary structures and permits the magnetic particles to move freely in the respective opening segments 74 and 75 for collection into other unitary structures therein. The "0 and "I binary signals are readout from the respective output lines in the manner previously described regarding FIG. I. It is also understood that linear intersections may replace the nonlinear intersections 13, 13' and 18, I8 of the word lines 10 and output lines I5, respectively in FIG. 5.

It is thus apparent in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 that the collection of the magnetic particles into unitary structures in the dielectric openings of the respective matrices to store the 0" and "I" binary signals therein and the subsequent alteration of such structures into other unitary structures to repeat the storage of the 0" and l binary signals in the same matrix openings or to interchange the latter signals therein is achieved without the mechanical cutting of any components or shielding thereof and without the discarding or the adding any new components in the respective matrices. This is thought to constitute a worthwhile advance in the art.

Although the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 as hereinbefore disclosed are directed to magnetic matrices storing binary signals and involving electromagnetic induction coupling effective at the intersections of word and output lines, it is obvious that the conductivity of the magnetic mixture or a preselected substance may be utilized to provide resistance coupling at such intersections. In addition, it is apparent that the magnetic storage at the word and output line intersections may comprise a high dielectric constant magnetic material such, for example, as ferrite to provide thereat electrostatic induction coupling driven by a relatively high voltage. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the iron grains may be soft-ferrite grains. In the latter dielectric constant type of storage matrix, the diode matrix may undergo countless internal alterations for storing "0" and l binary signals and still retain its effectiveness. Furthermore, while the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 are disclosed herein as utilizing curvilinear or linear segments at the intersections of the word and output lines, it is understood that the shapes of the respective segments at such intersections do not impose any limitations on the operation of the invention.

In accordance with the semipermanent storage of binary signals as hereinbefore explained, the electromagnetic interaction at the respective word and output line intersections can be selectively changed by the application of external magnetic fields to the groups of pieces of magnetic material with regard to the inert parafl'ln or gas at given times.

It is therefore understood that the several embodiments of the invention are hereinbefore described in specific respects for the purpose of this description. It is further understood that such respects are manly illustrative of the application of the invention, particularly in the respects of the shapes of the conductor segments at the intersections of the word and output lines and in the types of the magnetic particles and inert substances constituting the signal storage mediums at such intersections. Numerous other arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim is: l. A magnetic binary signal storage matrix including word and output lines mutually transversely disposed in spaced parallel planes to provide spaced intersections thereof, comprising:

a semipermanent signal storage device positioned at each of said intersections for storing said binary signal and consisting of: dielectric means located between said work and output lines and formed with a plurality of openings, each having a first segment disposed at each of said intersections and a second segment laterally spaced from said latter intersection;

and magnetic means including at least a group of preselected magnetic particles in each of said openings; first preselected magnetic means in a column thereof activated by a first external electric force to collect said particle groups of said latter means in unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said latter means for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected means in said column fltereof activated by a second external electric force to collect said particle groups of said latter means in unitary structure in said first segments of said openings containing said latter means for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said unitary structures in said first and second segments of said opening! in said column of magnetic means enabling readout of said first and other predetermined binary signals.

2. The matrix according to claim I in which said first and second preselected magnetic means are activated by said first and second external electric forces comprising external magnetic fields for magnetizing said particles of said latter means; and said particle group unitary structures are retained by inherent magnetic forces resulting from the magnetization of said latter particles after said magnetic fields are discontinued.

3. The matrix according to claim 2 in which said particles of said first and second preselected magnetic means are demagnetized to disintegrate said particle group unitary structures by demagnetizing external magnetic fields applied to said latter structures to destroy said inherent magnetic forces therein.

4. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said magnetic means includes paraffin changed to a liquid state for permitting said particle groups of said first and second preselected magnetic means to collect in said unitary structures in said first and second segments of said openings containing said latter means and thereafler said paraffin changed to a solid at ambient temperature for retaining said latter structures after said external electric forces are discontinued.

5. The matrix according to claim 4 which includes laser beam means for changing said paraffin to said li uid state.

6. The matrix according to claim I in which said magnetic means also includes ambient air.

7. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said magnetic particles comprise carbonyl iron.

8. The matrix according to claim 1 which includes a plurality of'magnetic keepers associated with each of said openings; two of said keepers oppositely disposed at opposite ends of each of said second segments of said opening containing said first preselected magnetic means and activated by said first external electric force to collect said particle group unitary structures therebetween, and an additional tow of said keepers oppositely disposed at opposite ends of said first segments of said openings containing said second preselected magnetic means and activated by said second external electric force to collect said particle group unitary structures thcrebetween.

9. The matrix according to claim I in which said word lines and said output lines are formed on first and second printed plates. respectively, located in said spaced parallel planes.

10. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said magnetic particles are demagnetized in said openings for permitting substantially uniform distribution of said latter demagnetized particles at the bottoms of said openings.

ll. The matrix according to claim I on which said preselected magnetic particles comprise alloy pieces of predetermined sizes and shapes.

12. The matrix according to claim 11 in which said alloy particles are chemically unstable in an ambient environment, and which includes silicone oil for containing said latter particles in said latter environment.

13. The matrix according to claim I in which each of said word and output lines at each of said intersections thereof comprises a linear sector.

14. The matrix according to claim I in which each of said word and output lines at each of said intersections comprises a curvilinear sector; said curvilinear sectors of said word lines oppositely disposed to corresponding curvilinear sectors of said output lines at said first segments of said openings.

15. The matrix according to claim 14 which includes a plurality of magnetic keepers; one of said keepers mounted in each of said oppositely disposed curvilinear sectors and another of said keepers laterally positioned from each of said last-mentioned keepers at an end of each of said opening second segments corresponding with one said last-mentioned curvilinear sectors.

16. A magnetic matrix for storing binary signals comprising:

first and second printed plates;

a plurality of word lines formed in spaced parallel relation of a surface of said first plate; each of said lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors;

a plurality of output lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said output lines having spaced curvilinear sectors;

dielectric means interposed between opposing plain surfaces of said first and second plates to dispose said word and output lines in a mutually perpendicular relation in spaced parallel planes for providing intersections of said latter lines whereby corresponding sectors of said respective latter lines are oppositely positioned at said intersections thereof; said dielectric means formed with a plurality of spaced openings normally extending between said latter opposing plain surfaces; each of said openings having a first segment located at one of said word and output line intersections and a second segment laterally spaced from said lastmentioned one intersection;

and a magnetic mixture consisting of a group said column preselected iron-grains and inert paraffin in each of said openings in such manner that said grains are randomly distributed in said paraffin in a solid state at ambient temperature; first reselected mixtures of a column thereof activated by first external magnetic fields while said paraffin of said last-mentioned mixtures is in a liquid state to collect said iron-grain groups of said last-mentioned mixtures as unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said first preselected mixtures for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected mixtures of said column thereof activated by second external magnetic fields while said paraffin of said last-mentioned mixtures is in said liquid state to collect said iron-grain groups of said last-mentioned mixtures as unitary structures in said first segments of said openings containing said second preselected mixtures for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said grain group unitary structures retained in said opening first and second segments by said paraffin in said solid state at ambient temperature after said first and second magnetic fields are discontinued; said grain group unitary structures and said curvilinear sectors of said word and line intersections in said column of mixtures enabling readout of said stored first and other predetermined binary signals.

17. A magnetic matrix for storing binary signals, comprising;

first and second printed plates;

a plurality of word lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said latter lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors;

a plurality of output lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said latter lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors;

dielectric means interposed between opposing plane surfaces of said first and second plates to dispose said word and output lines in a mutually perpendicular relation in spaced parallel planes for providing intersections of said latter lines whereby corresponding sectors of said respective latter lines are oppositely positioned at said intersections thereof; said dielectric means formed with a plurality of spaced openings normally extending between said latter opposing latter plane surfaces; each of said openings having a first segment located at one of said word and output line intersections and a second segment laterally spaced therefrom;

a plurality of magnetic keepers; one of said keepers located in each of said word and output line curvilinear sectors and another of said keepers laterally spaced from each of said latter one keepers at an end of each of said opening second segments corresponding with one of said latter sectors. whereby two of said keepers are oppositely disposed at each of said first and second segments of each of said openings;

and a magnetic mixture consisting ofa group of preselected demagnetized metallic alloy particles of random distribution and an inert gas in each of said openings; first preselected mixtures of a column thereof activated by first external magnetic fields applied to said oppositely disposed keepers spaced from said oppositely disposed word and output line sectors in said latter column to collect said alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said first preselected mixture for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected mixtures of said column thereof activated by second external magnetic fields applied to said oppositely disposed keepers disposed in said oppositely disposed sectors of said word and output lines in said latter column to collect said alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said first segments of said openings containing said second preselected mixtures for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said alloy particle unitary structures retained in said opening first second segments after said first and second magnetic fields are discontinued in response to magnetic forces inherent in said latter structures and resulting from the magnetization of said particles in said latter structures by said first and second magnetic fields; said oppositely disposed curvilinear sectors and said latter unitary structures in said column of mixtures enabling readout of said stored first and second predetermined binary signals.

18. A magnetic matrix for storing signals, comprising:

first and second printed plates;

a plurality of word lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said first plate; each of said lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors;

a plurality of output lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said latter lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors;

dielectric means interposed between opposing plain surfaces of said first and second plates to dispose said word and output lines in mutually perpendicular relation in spaced parallel planes for providing intersections of said latter lines whereby corresponding sectors of said respective latter lines are oppositely disposed at said intersections thereof; said dielectric means formed with a plurality of spaced openings normally extending between said latter opposing plain surfaces; each of said openings having a first segment located at one of said word and output lines intersections, a second segment laterally spaced from said latter one intersection, and a third segment connecting said latter first and second segments and having a width whose dimension is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of each of said latter first and second segments;

and a magnetic mixture consisting of a group of predetermined demagnetized metallic alloy particles of random distribution and an inert gas in each of said openings; first preselected mixtures of a column thereof activated by first external magnetic fields to collect alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said latter mixtures for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected mixtures activated by second external magnetic fields to collect said alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said first segments of said openings containing said latter mixtures for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said alloy particle unitary structures retained in said opening first and second segments after said first and second magnetic fields are discontinued in response to magnetic forces inherent in said latter structures and resulting from the magnetization of said particles in said latter structures by said first and second magnetic holds; said opening third segments preventing said latter structures from moving between said opening first and second segments associated therewith in said column of mixtures; said oppositely disposed curvilinear sections and said latter structures in said column of mixtures enabling readout of said stored first and second predetermined binary signals. 

1. A magnetic binary signal storage matrix including word and output lines mutually transversely disposed in spaced parallel planes to provide spaced intersections thereof, comprising: a semipermanent signal storage device positioned at each of said intersections for storing said binary signal and consisting of: dielectric means located between said work and output lines and formed with a plurality of openings, each having a first segment disposed at each of said intersections and a second segment laterally spaced from said latter intersection; and magnetic means including at least a group of preselected magnetic particles in each of said openings; first preselected magnetic means in a column thereof activated by a first external electric force to collect said particle groups of said latter means in unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said latter means for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected means in said column thereof activated by a second external electric force to collect said particle groups of said latter means in unitary structure in said first segments of said openings containing said latter means for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said unitary structures in said first and second segments of said openings in said column of magnetic means enabling readout of said first and other predetermined binary signals.
 2. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said first and second preselected magnetic means are activated by said first and second external electric forces comprising external magnetic fields for magnetizing said particles of said latter means; and said particle group unitary structures are retained by inherent magnetic forces resulting from the magnetization of said latter particles after said magnetic fields are discontinued.
 3. The matrix according to claim 2 in which said particles of said first and second preselected magnetic means are demagnetized to disintegrate said particle group unitary structures by demagnetizing external magnetic fields applied to said latter structures to destroy said inherent magnetic forces therein.
 4. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said magnetic means includes paraffin changed to a liquid state for permitting said particle groups of said first and second preselected magnetic means to collect in said unitary structures in said first and second segments of said openings containing said latter means and thereafter said paraffin changed to a solid at ambient temperature for retaining said latter structures after said external electric forces are discontinued.
 5. The matrix according to claim 4 which includes laser beam means for changing said paraffin to said liquid state.
 6. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said magnetic means also includes ambient air.
 7. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said magnetic particles comprise carbonyl iron.
 8. The matrix according to claim 1 which includes a plurality of magnetic keepers associated with each of said openings; two of said keepers oppositely disposed at opposite ends of each of said second segments of said opening containing said first preselected magnetic means and activated by said first external electric force to collect said particle group unitary structures therebetween, and an additional tow of said keepers oppositely disposed at opposite ends of said first segments of said openings containing said second preselected magnetic means and activated by said second external electric force to collect said particle group unitary structures therebetween.
 9. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said word lines and said output lines are formed on first and second printed plates, respectively, located in said spaced parallel planes.
 10. The matrix according to claim 1 in which said magnetic particles are demagnetized in said openings for permitting substantially uniform distribution of said latter demagnetized particles at the bottoms of said openings.
 11. The matrix according to claim 1 on which said preselected magnetic particles comprise alloy pieces of predetermined sizes and shapes.
 12. The matrix according to claim 11 in which said alloy particles are chemically unstable in an ambient environment, and which includes silicone oil for containing said latter particles in said latter environment.
 13. The matrix according to claim 1 in which each of said word and output lines at each of said intersections thereof comprises a linear sector.
 14. The matrix according to claim 1 in which each of said word and output lines at each of said intersections comprises a curvilinear sector; said curvilinear sectors of said word lines oppositely disposed to corresponding curvilinear sectors of said output lines at said first segments of said openings.
 15. The matrix according to claim 14 which includes a plurality of magnetic keepers; one of said keepers mounted in each of said oppositely disposed curvilinear sectors and another of said keepers laterally positioned from each of said last-mentioned keepers at an end of each of said opening second segments corresponding with one said last-mentioned curvilinear sectors.
 16. A magnetic matrix for storing binary signals comprising: first and second printed plates; a plurality of word lines formed in spaced parallel relation of a surface of said first plate; eaCh of said lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors; a plurality of output lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said output lines having spaced curvilinear sectors; dielectric means interposed between opposing plain surfaces of said first and second plates to dispose said word and output lines in a mutually perpendicular relation in spaced parallel planes for providing intersections of said latter lines whereby corresponding sectors of said respective latter lines are oppositely positioned at said intersections thereof; said dielectric means formed with a plurality of spaced openings normally extending between said latter opposing plain surfaces; each of said openings having a first segment located at one of said word and output line intersections and a second segment laterally spaced from said last-mentioned one intersection; and a magnetic mixture consisting of a group said column preselected iron-grains and inert paraffin in each of said openings in such manner that said grains are randomly distributed in said paraffin in a solid state at ambient temperature; first preselected mixtures of a column thereof activated by first external magnetic fields while said paraffin of said last-mentioned mixtures is in a liquid state to collect said iron-grain groups of said last-mentioned mixtures as unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said first preselected mixtures for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected mixtures of said column thereof activated by second external magnetic fields while said paraffin of said last-mentioned mixtures is in said liquid state to collect said iron-grain groups of said last-mentioned mixtures as unitary structures in said first segments of said openings containing said second preselected mixtures for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said grain group unitary structures retained in said opening first and second segments by said paraffin in said solid state at ambient temperature after said first and second magnetic fields are discontinued; said grain group unitary structures and said curvilinear sectors of said word and line intersections in said column of mixtures enabling readout of said stored first and other predetermined binary signals.
 17. A magnetic matrix for storing binary signals, comprising; first and second printed plates; a plurality of word lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said latter lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors; a plurality of output lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said latter lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors; dielectric means interposed between opposing plane surfaces of said first and second plates to dispose said word and output lines in a mutually perpendicular relation in spaced parallel planes for providing intersections of said latter lines whereby corresponding sectors of said respective latter lines are oppositely positioned at said intersections thereof; said dielectric means formed with a plurality of spaced openings normally extending between said latter opposing latter plane surfaces; each of said openings having a first segment located at one of said word and output line intersections and a second segment laterally spaced therefrom; a plurality of magnetic keepers; one of said keepers located in each of said word and output line curvilinear sectors and another of said keepers laterally spaced from each of said latter one keepers at an end of each of said opening second segments corresponding with one of said latter sectors, whereby two of said keepers are oppositely disposed at each of said first and second segments of each of said openings; and a magnetic mixture consisting of a group of preselected demagnetized metallic alloy particles of random distribution and an inert gas in each of said openings; First preselected mixtures of a column thereof activated by first external magnetic fields applied to said oppositely disposed keepers spaced from said oppositely disposed word and output line sectors in said latter column to collect said alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said first preselected mixture for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected mixtures of said column thereof activated by second external magnetic fields applied to said oppositely disposed keepers disposed in said oppositely disposed sectors of said word and output lines in said latter column to collect said alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said first segments of said openings containing said second preselected mixtures for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said alloy particle unitary structures retained in said opening first second segments after said first and second magnetic fields are discontinued in response to magnetic forces inherent in said latter structures and resulting from the magnetization of said particles in said latter structures by said first and second magnetic fields; said oppositely disposed curvilinear sectors and said latter unitary structures in said column of mixtures enabling readout of said stored first and second predetermined binary signals.
 18. A magnetic matrix for storing signals, comprising: first and second printed plates; a plurality of word lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said first plate; each of said lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors; a plurality of output lines formed in spaced parallel relation on a surface of said second plate; each of said latter lines embodying spaced curvilinear sectors; dielectric means interposed between opposing plain surfaces of said first and second plates to dispose said word and output lines in mutually perpendicular relation in spaced parallel planes for providing intersections of said latter lines whereby corresponding sectors of said respective latter lines are oppositely disposed at said intersections thereof; said dielectric means formed with a plurality of spaced openings normally extending between said latter opposing plain surfaces; each of said openings having a first segment located at one of said word and output lines intersections, a second segment laterally spaced from said latter one intersection, and a third segment connecting said latter first and second segments and having a width whose dimension is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of each of said latter first and second segments; and a magnetic mixture consisting of a group of predetermined demagnetized metallic alloy particles of random distribution and an inert gas in each of said openings; first preselected mixtures of a column thereof activated by first external magnetic fields to collect alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said second segments of said openings containing said latter mixtures for storing first predetermined signals of said binary signals and second preselected mixtures activated by second external magnetic fields to collect said alloy particle groups of said latter mixtures as unitary structures in said first segments of said openings containing said latter mixtures for storing other predetermined signals of said binary signals; said alloy particle unitary structures retained in said opening first and second segments after said first and second magnetic fields are discontinued in response to magnetic forces inherent in said latter structures and resulting from the magnetization of said particles in said latter structures by said first and second magnetic holds; said opening third segments preventing said latter structures from moving between said opening first and second segments associated therewith in said column of mixtures; said oppositely disposed curvilinear sectiOns and said latter structures in said column of mixtures enabling readout of said stored first and second predetermined binary signals. 